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Koshare Museum & Trading Post - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Koshare Museum & Trading Post

The Koshare Museum & Trading Post is a multi-purpose facility that serves as a museum, educational center, and trading post. The facility is located in Otero county, Colorado, and is operated by the Otero County Historical Society. The museum houses a collection of artifacts that date back to the early days of the region, including items that were used by the native Ute and Kiowa peoples. The educational center offers classes on a variety of topics, including local history and culture.
Address : Koshare Kiva, 115 W 18th St, La Junta, CO 81050, USA

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Things to Do at Koshare Museum & Trading Post

The museum houses a massive collection of Native American artifacts, as well as a replicated kiva and a functioning trading post. The exhibits are well-documented and provide visitors with a fascinating look into the lives of the Native Americans who once inhabited the area. In addition, the museum offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year. Whether you're interested in learning about the history of the region or simply want to browse through some authentic Native American artifacts, the Koshare Indian Museum & Trading Post is definitely worth a visit.


Top Activities Near Koshare Museum & Trading Post

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History of Koshare Museum & Trading Post

The Koshare Museum & Trading Post in Otero County, Colorado has a long and rich history. The museum was founded in 1931 by a group of local residents who were passionate about preserving the area's unique heritage. The museum is home to an eclectic collection of artifacts that tell the story of the region's Native American, Spanish, and Anglo settlers. In addition to its collections, the museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events that help to bring the area's history to life. The Koshare Museum & Trading Post is an important part of Colorado's cultural landscape and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in learning more about the state's rich history.


Best Time to Visit Koshare Museum & Trading Post

The best time to visit the Koshare Museum & Trading Post is during the summer months, when the museum is open daily and the trading post is in full operation. During the summer, the museum also offers a variety of special events, including dance performances and storytelling sessions. 


Tips for Visiting Koshare Museum & Trading Post

  1. Plan to spend at least an hour at the museum. There is a lot to see, including artwork, artifacts, and dioramas.
  2. Be sure to check out the Koshare Dancers performance. The dancers are incredibly talented and the show is very moving.
  3. The museum gift shop has a great selection of American Indian jewelry, pottery, and other items. be sure to pick up something for yourself or as a souvenir.
  4. There is a picnic area located behind the museum if you'd like to bring your own lunch to enjoy during your visit.
  5. Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum except for the Koshare Dancers performance area. Please be respectful of other visitors and do not use flash photography.
  6. A guided tour is the best way to learn about the history and culture of Koshare Museum & Trading Post. Tours are available daily and must be booked in advance.
  7. The cafe at Koshare Museum & Trading Post serves up delicious American and Native American-inspired cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Koshare Museum & Trading Post

  1. The museum is named after the koshare, a Native American tribe that once lived in the area. 
  2. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults. 
  3. The museum also has a Planetarium, which offers shows about the night sky and the constellations visible in the southwestern United States.
  4. In addition to its regular exhibits, the Koshare Museum also hosts a number of special events throughout the year, including an annual Navajo Rug Auction and a quilt show.
  5. The collection of kachina dolls at the museum is one of the largest in the world, with over 1,000 dolls on display.
     

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Koshare Museum & Trading Post

You just allow yourself at least 2-3 hours to see everything the museum has to offer.


How to Reach Koshare Museum & Trading Post

From Denver, take I-25 south to Exit 109. Then take Highway 50 east for about 60 miles until you reach La Junta. Koshare Museum will be on your right just after you cross the Arkansas River. If you're coming from the south, take I-25 north to Exit 74. Then take Highway 350 east for approximately 45 miles until you reach La Junta. Again, Koshare Museum will be on your right just past the Arkansas River. 


Entrance Fee of Koshare Museum & Trading Post

 Admission to the museum is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and $3 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are free.
 


Opening Hours of Koshare Museum & Trading Post

The museum is open Monday-Saturday 9 AM-5 PM and Sunday 1 PM-5 PM. Hours may vary seasonally so it's a good idea to check the website before you go.
 


Attractions Near Koshare Museum & Trading Post

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Holbrook ReservoirThe Holbrook Reservoir is located in Otero county. It was created in 1965 with the construction of a dam on the Cimarron River. The reservoir covers an area of 1,200 acres and has a capacity of 45,000 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the reservoir is to provide irrigation water for agricultural users in the area. However, it also serves as a recreation destination, offering fishing, boating, and camping opportunities.
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Bent's Old Fort National Historic SiteBent's Old Fort National Historic Site commemorates a significant chapter in American history. Founded in 1833, the fort was a key trading post for goods flowing between the United States and Santa Fe. For nearly two decades, the fort was a thriving community, with traders, trappers, Native Americans, and other passersby all coming together to trade goods and share stories. Today, visitors can explore the restored fort, which contains original and replica buildings, as well as a museum.
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Lake Meredith ReservoirThis is a large, shallow lake, with aver- age depths of less than 10 ft. Frequent wind and wave actions tends to keep the water fairly turbid. The lake is popular among jet skiers. Camping at the lake is free, but amenities are limited. There is one dirt boat ramp and one jet ski ramp.
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Boggsville Historic SiteBoggsville is a former settlement in Bent County, Colorado. It includes a 39-acre National Register District with two early territorial-style adobe structures, the 1866 Boggs House and the 1867 Prowers house. The site is owned by the Pioneer Historical Society of Bent County and operated as a seasonal interpretive museum. The surviving structures are among the earliest examples of Territorial architecture in Colorado. Boggsville was the last home of frontiersman Kit Carson.
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Lake HenryThis is a 1,100 surface-acre reservoir located north of Ordway and Sugar City, Colorado. Popular amongst anglers and birders, Lake Henry has a surface elevation of 4,367 feet and is free to access in Crowley County. A good picnic location and also there is options for trekking and so more.
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The Heritage CenterThe Crowley County Heritage Center is a fantastic place to learn about the history of the county and the families who homesteaded the area. It has been welcoming individuals for nearly 100 years. Founded in 1914, it first served as a school for the surrounding community. It houses a vast collection of articles specializing in life on the plains and the history of Crowley County.

Discover More Attractions in Otero County, Home of Koshare Museum & Trading Post

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Otero County
Otero County is located in southeastern Colorado, and it is one of the state's top tourist destinations. The county is home to a variety of attractions, including the Great Sand Dunes National Park, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the quirkiest town in America: Trinidad. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities in the beautiful scenery of Otero County. In Trinidad, tourists can explore the unique history and culture of the town, which has been described as a

Location of Koshare Museum & Trading Post


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